2002

The Hoobs

PlayStation exclusive

Jim Hensons colorful creations, The Hoobs, have entertained TV audiences worldwide and are now bringing their muppet-style fun and learning to the PlayStation. The Runecraft-developed game follows the adventures of Iver, Tula and Groove as they embark on a voyage of discovery around Hoobland, sharing their experiences with other Hoobs via an enormous database -- known as the Hoobopaedia -- as well as the local news station and the internet. Half action game, half edutainment title, kids stand to find a whole load of stuff just waiting to be discovered, as well as some interesting Hoob language. Released only in Europe.

Released: 7 July 2002
Platforms: PlayStation
Genres: —
Developers: —
Publishers: —
Themes: Action

About

The Hoobs is a live-action/animated children's television series created and produced by The Jim Henson Company and Decode Entertainment for Channel 4. A total of 250 episodes were produced across five series.

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Story

The series stars five extraterrestrial creatures called Hoobs (Hubba Hubba, Iver, Groove, Tula, and Roma) from the fictional planet called Hoobland, and their interactions with Earth and the human race. In each episode, they try to find the answer to a question to be put in the great Hoobopedia created by Hubba Hubba, back in Hoobland, in hopes of learning all there is to know.

Hubba Hubba remains in Hoobland to await the report from the other Hoobs, Iver, Groove, and Tula live in a music-powered vehicle called the Hoobmobile, and Roma travels to all parts of the world by foot, by public transport and even her music powered motorcycle called the Hooby Picki Picki.

Development

Channel 4 announced in November 2000 that a new educational series, titled "The Hoobs", had been developed for a pre-school audience. In a £20 million joint venture between Channel 4 and The Jim Henson Company, the channel commissioned 250 half-hour episodes which were to be broadcast from early 2001 (to replace Sesame Street). The series was set to be the biggest pre-school series on British television as it was said that "Channel 4 hopes its Hoobs will be the new Teletubbies and the new Tweenies" and wished from it to match its success. The puppets for the characters were made by Jim Henson's Muppet Workshop.

Executive vice-president Angus Fletcher of Jim Henson Television commented that "We are delighted to have the opportunity to pioneer a groundbreaking format which will address the needs of the first truly multi-media generation".